The Inland Echo

By Spokane County

Spokane County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency because of record snow and power outages throughout the area and drifting snow in southern Spokane County. Spokane and surrounding communities have broken many long-held winter records this season. Click on Weather Center for the latest forecast.

The Board of County Commissioners have declared a State of Emergency after hearing reports of blowing and drifting snow in the southeast and numerous power outages in north Spokane County. The Board determined that the unincorporated areas of the county will be overwhelmed by storms moving into the area, available resources are becoming depleted, and road crews will be unable to sustain the county’s level of response to these record-setting winter snow events.

By declaring a State of Emergency, the county now has the authority to hire private contractors without the time-consuming bid process, obtain supplementary resources from other local governments, implement the Spokane City/County Emergency Management Plan, and direct the Emergency Management Department to coordinate all incident-related assistance to the affected areas.

The first priority for road crews is to keep primary arterials and emergency routes clear. Weather permitting, crews will then proceed to secondary arterials, hills and residential areas. Spokane County has also hired private contractors to assist in snow removal in residential areas and the City of Spokane Valley. The combined costs for overtime, supplies, and private contractors total approximately $70,000 a day.

For the snow plowing priority map, go to:  www.spokanecounty.org/loaddoc.aspx?docid=2993

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect, with more snow, including a rain/snow mix or freezing rain in the forecast for this weekend, into to Monday, December 29, 2008. As temperatures climb into the low 30s, the snowpack will become wetter, heavier and more compact. Officials are concerned about snow-loading, particularly on flat roofs, trailers and car ports. Property owners should evaluate the stability of these structures. In addition, as the snow gets heavier tree branches may bring down power lines. Be prepared for possible power outages and never approach or attempt to drive over a downed power line!

Due to the current weather conditions, The Spokane Department of Emergency Management has activated the Emergency Operations Center. They have opened a phone bank to assist citizens with non-emergency needs such as medical concerns, medication, food, water and heat. Citizens can call (509) 477-2304. This number will be staffed 24/7 until further notice.

Residents who live in affected areas are encouraged to stay off the roadways and to shelter in place. Motorist on roads are at risk of becoming stranded miles from help, and may find that emergency service agencies are either unaware of their predicament or are themselves unable to respond.
 
For statewide road conditions and pass reports, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov (Spokane County is in the Eastern Region). If you are calling from Washington State the number is 5-1-1. If you’re calling from outside Washington State, the number is 800-695-7623.
 

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